Former Derry 'keeper Forde in Irish squad
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The Republic of Ireland’s goalkeeping woes were confirmed earlier today, as Giovanni Trapattoni announced his squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia and the friendly three days later against Uruguay at the Aviva Stadium.
Two new additions have been drafted into the squad, Motherwell ‘keeper David Randolph and former Derry City stopper David Forde, in the absence of Shay Given, Brian Murphy and Joe Murphy, who are all injured. It means Keiren Westwood, who had picked up a hip injury in action for Coventry City last week, will take the number one jersey.
James McCarthy has also been named in the 29-man squad despite the media furore surrounding his international uncertainty, along with four other players that have played in the League of Ireland. Kevin Doyle and Shane Long could lead the line based on recent form, despite Robbie Keane’s inclusion in the panel, while Keith Fahey and Seamus Coleman will be hoping to earn their ninth and second caps respectively against Macedonia.
“Macedonia is a big match for us in our aim to qualify for Euro 2012,” Trapattoni said after announcing the squad this afternoon. “Playing at home in the Aviva Stadium is important and we will be keen to build on our recent home performance against Wales.
“Three days later we will take on Uruguay who have announced a full strength squad to come to Dublin, including Forlan and Suarez. This will be a very good challenge for our players, particularly after Uruguay’s strong performance in South Africa last summer.”
The full squad is:
Goalkeepers: Keiren Westwood, David Randolph, David Forde.
Defenders: Kevin Foley, John O’Shea, Ciarán Clark, Seamus Coleman, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea, Kevin Kilbane, Marc Wilson.
Midfielders: Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Paul Green, Liam Lawrence, James McCarthy, Aiden McGeady, Keith Andrews, Keith Treacy, Keith Fahey, Damien Duff.
Strikers: Robbie Keane, Jonathan Waters, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Leon Best, Andy Keogh.
Two new additions have been drafted into the squad, Motherwell ‘keeper David Randolph and former Derry City stopper David Forde, in the absence of Shay Given, Brian Murphy and Joe Murphy, who are all injured. It means Keiren Westwood, who had picked up a hip injury in action for Coventry City last week, will take the number one jersey.
James McCarthy has also been named in the 29-man squad despite the media furore surrounding his international uncertainty, along with four other players that have played in the League of Ireland. Kevin Doyle and Shane Long could lead the line based on recent form, despite Robbie Keane’s inclusion in the panel, while Keith Fahey and Seamus Coleman will be hoping to earn their ninth and second caps respectively against Macedonia.
“Macedonia is a big match for us in our aim to qualify for Euro 2012,” Trapattoni said after announcing the squad this afternoon. “Playing at home in the Aviva Stadium is important and we will be keen to build on our recent home performance against Wales.
“Three days later we will take on Uruguay who have announced a full strength squad to come to Dublin, including Forlan and Suarez. This will be a very good challenge for our players, particularly after Uruguay’s strong performance in South Africa last summer.”
The full squad is:
Goalkeepers: Keiren Westwood, David Randolph, David Forde.
Defenders: Kevin Foley, John O’Shea, Ciarán Clark, Seamus Coleman, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea, Kevin Kilbane, Marc Wilson.
Midfielders: Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Paul Green, Liam Lawrence, James McCarthy, Aiden McGeady, Keith Andrews, Keith Treacy, Keith Fahey, Damien Duff.
Strikers: Robbie Keane, Jonathan Waters, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Leon Best, Andy Keogh.
About Alan Smith
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